Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali reckons the pressure will be on New Zealand to face Indian spinners in the Champions Trophy final. The middle phase is going to hold the key for both teams and the Indian spin quartet of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav will look to make life difficult for the opposition batters.
India had beaten the Kiwis by 44 runs in the group-stage clash when Varun Chakravarthy breathed down the neck of the opposition batters and returned with impressive figures of 5-42. The Blackcaps batters looked at sea while facing Chakravarthy and the mystery spinner is once again going to play a crucial role.
Ali said the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be dangerous whereas he advised Kuldeep Yadav to bowl a bit quick through the air.
“The setup which New Zealand and Santner made after winning the toss and batting first, they charged well. Now they will face quality spinners. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be dangerous. Varun has already performed so they will be scared. Kuldeep will have to bowl little quickly though. We will see how they tackle India but the pressure will be on New Zealand to face Indian spinners,” Basit Ali said on his YouTube Channel.
Meanwhile, Ali highlighted that India has instilled fear in the opposition with their consistent performances in the Champions Trophy. He noted that New Zealand was preparing for the final against India as Mitchell Santner used seven bowling options against South Africa in the semifinal clash.
“India has instilled fear. Whether South Africa won or New Zealand, whoever would play the semifinal or final, that fear is seen. The way New Zealand kept changing bowling and made everyone bowl. They are preparing for it,” he opined.
India will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.
